Éire Óg U21 football boss Johnny Clifford: New rules are a game changer, they suit our players

A huge win for Éire Óg in so many ways in the Macroom Motors Muskerry U21 A football championship last Sunday morning in Ovens.

The team in red and yellow got the better of holders Ballinora in a gripping quarter-final clash that kept the large crowd entertained played under the new rules. Éire Óg looked in bother on more than one occasion, but won after extra time on a scoreline of 1-15 to 0-13. They trailed by five points at half-time and were four points behind after 56 minutes.

After a couple of frustrating years, this was Éire Óg’s first victory since 2022, as they will head into this Sunday’s last four battle with Kilmurry full of confidence.

Éire Óg manager Johnny Clifford went through every emotion during a pulsating 80 minutes, as he was relieved to come through a huge battle with Ballinora.

“Our backs were against the wall,” he said post-match.

“Ballinora were beating us left, right and centre in every sector. It took us a long time to get into it, but our lads improved and showed character. There was only a kick of a ball in it at the end. We had that bit of luck and we got over the line.

“We have lots to work on, but we are delighted with this victory. Half-time came at a good time. We asked the lads to be honest with themselves and to work hard. We won a lot of breaking balls after half-time to the finish.

“Hungry dogs run a lot faster than well fed dogs. The work rate got us over the line. The players did it for Éire Óg and the parish today. I think it’s the first time in three years that Éire Óg have won a game in this competition. Ballinora are true champions. They came here to win and played their part in a great game.” 

The new rules were noticeable last Sunday in what was an exciting game. Ballinora looked good for victory with four minutes remaining of normal time when Robert Quirke put over a two-pointer to push his team four points clear. It was whittled down within minutes. The winners were the better team in extra time.

“The new rules are a game changer,” the Éire Óg boss says.

“The big bearing on the rules is the referee and I feel today’s referee, John Ryan, and his team, were absolutely outstanding. They used an awful lot of common sense. That game today moved fast and a lot of it was down to the ref.

“The solo and go is a big one and that worked well in this match. The rules suit our fast players in the forward line.” 

Clifford is a former Kilmurry player and is revered out in that neck of the woods, but is now involved with Éire Óg. It will be a special one for him in an interesting last four contest between the clubs in Kilmurry this Sunday at 12 noon.

“Kilmurry are on a major high after their success last year at Premier Junior level and U21 level. I know a lot of the lads out there. I would say that they will be looking forward to having a cut off Éire Óg. Of course, Kilmurry is close to my heart, it will be a great occasion the next day.”